Scuffles erupt after Parma–Roma finale; Ndicka furious as Gasperini restrains Mancini

AS Roma's Derby della Capitale clash against SS Lazio on 17 May has become the subject of a scheduling dispute involving public order authorities. The match, part of Serie A's 37th round, is set to take place the same day as the final of the 83rd edition of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia tennis tournament. Both events occur within metres of each other at the Foro Italico, creating significant crowd management challenges. The Lega di Serie A initially proposed a 12:30 kick-off, but Rome's Prefettura (local authority) pushed back, suggesting the derby be moved to Monday 18 May at 20:45. In response, the Lega and Prefettura have now proposed a compromise: hold the derby on Sunday 17 May at 12:00, with all concurrent Serie A matches scheduled for the same time, while requesting the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation delay the tennis final by two and a half hours to 17:30. This would allow both events to proceed on the same day several hours apart. The tennis final is already sold out. The proposal would also affect matches involving Juventus, Milan, Como, and Napoli—all contenders in the Champions League race—forcing them to play at an unusual midday slot during May's heat and heightened competition tension. Official confirmation remains pending. Details of whether all parties will accept the compromise remain unclear, and further changes could still occur before the final decision is announced.

The timing of Roma's upcoming derby against SS Lazio remains unconfirmed following scheduling complications affecting multiple Serie A title contenders. The Lega Serie A initially announced the match for Sunday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m., alongside fixtures for Napoli, Milan, Juventus, and Como in the Champions League race. However, a provincial public order and security committee meeting scheduled for today could alter these plans, with Monday, May 18 emerging as a possible new date. Local authorities — the prefettura and questura — are considering various kickoff times. While officials prefer an 18:00 start, an evening kickoff is also under discussion, despite evening fixtures typically being restricted due to public safety concerns. The Lega Serie A opposes any postponement and has indicated readiness to escalate the matter to competent authorities, including potential legal action through the Tar (administrative court). League chief executive Luigi De Siervo has proposed an alternative: postponing the final of the Rome International Tennis Tournament to free up security resources. The fixture is complicated by concurrent scheduling demands across the league, with multiple clubs competing for Champions League qualification. Details remain unclear regarding which option will ultimately prevail, though a decision is expected soon following today's security meeting.

AS Roma is preparing for the Derby della Capitale with key players set to return. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk are expected to rejoin the squad following a rest day, with the team resuming training soon. Paulo Dybala is lined up to start the derby match alongside Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen in attack, with the club considering deploying the attacking trio to maximize their chances in the capital derby against SS Lazio's squad. The derby takes place amid an intense Serie A title race for Champions League qualification. Roma recently secured a dramatic late victory over Parma, while AC Milan's loss in their evening fixture has kept the competition wide open. With both third and fourth place still up for grabs and only two spots available for European football, the upcoming matches are critical. Napoli, currently second, suffered a home defeat to Bologna and will need points from their next fixtures to secure Champions League football. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma remains in contention despite the tight standings. The squad appears to have recovered well from recent efforts, with Malen receiving praise for his recent performances. The clash against Sarri's Lazio team represents a crucial opportunity for Roma to press their European qualification bid as the season reaches its decisive phase.

Donyell Malen scored at 100:02 to give Roma a dramatic late-match victory, clinching three vital points after a stunning second-half comeback. The Dutch winger's goal came only after a VAR review that overturned an initial decision against Roma, leading to heated protests on the pitch. Malen's strike broke the club record for the latest goal scored by Roma in Serie A over the past 20 seasons, surpassing Tammy Abraham's effort at 98:05 against Spezia in February 2022. This victory keeps Roma's hopes alive for securing a Champions League finish. The team scored twice in injury time—with Rensch also finding the net—marking the first occasion in the season that Roma has scored two goals beyond the 90-minute mark in a single match. The comeback underlines Roma's character in adversity, though the controversial circumstances surrounding Malen's goal and the VAR intervention will likely draw discussion. Gasperini responded to criticism surrounding the incident, stating: "Ha ragione, tutta Italia ha visto. Immagini evidenti" (He's right, all of Italy saw it. Clear images). After the match, Dybala, Malen, and Gollini posted on social media describing it as a lively Sunday with friends, highlighting the emotional intensity of the fixture.

Paulo Dybala marked Roma's remarkable comeback victory at Parma on social media, sharing images from the dressing room celebration with teammates. The match saw Roma move from what appeared to be a difficult position to a dramatic win late in the game, keeping alive their hopes of returning to the Champions League. Dybala posted two iconic photos: one alongside Donyell Malen with the caption "3 points to go crazy," and a second story featuring both Malen and goalkeeper Gollini, who had been named Player of the Match. The turnaround was completed in injury time at the Tardini stadium, with Roma seizing the opportunity through a decisive moment in the closing stages. Dybala described the afternoon as "quite a Sunday with my friends," reflecting the intensity of the comeback and the relief of securing the three points. The celebrations extended into the dressing room, where the squad enjoyed their unlikely triumph together. Malen's match-winning performance earned him official recognition, with Gollini pictured holding the Player of the Match award. The victory represents a crucial step in Roma's bid to secure European football next season, with the club capitalizing on a pivotal moment to maintain their campaign momentum.

Matías Soulé will start for Roma in their upcoming match at Parma as the club pursues a push for fourth place in Serie A. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed in a press conference that Soulé will feature despite not being in peak physical condition. Gasperini stated: "He is not at his best, certainly not from a physical point of view. The pubalgia has left some lingering effects," and indicated the Argentine will be asked to make an effort in the match. Paulo Dybala, who has been training regularly for the past couple of weeks, is unlikely to start in Soulé's place. The squad selection largely mirrors the lineup deployed against Fiorentina. The club has recovered two key players: El Shaarawy and Gollini are now available for selection. Meanwhile, striker Artem Dovbyk is expected to rejoin full group training in the coming week after receiving clearance following a medical check in Finland. These developments strengthen Roma's options as they continue their campaign to secure a top-four finish in the league.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has indicated that Kostas Tsimikas will return from his loan spell at Roma and take on a more prominent role at Anfield. Slot stated the left-back will replace Robertson, suggesting the Greek defender has no long-term future in Rome. Tsimikas joined Roma on loan but has found himself in an uncertain position at the club. His departure would mark another loan move ending prematurely, leaving Roma to reassess their left-back options for the remainder of the season.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Kostas Tsimikas will return to Anfield at the end of the season following his loan spell at AS Roma. Slot stated in a press conference that Tsimikas will replace Andy Robertson, who is departing the club. The Greek left-back's time in Rome is coming to an end after failing to establish himself in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with limited playing time and unconvincing performances this season. Tsimikas has struggled to make an impact at the Stadio Olimpico, and the relationship between the player and the giallorossi environment never fully took off. Under Gasperini, he has received minimal opportunities to prove himself. The defender still has one year remaining on his Liverpool contract and is expected to serve as cover for Kerkez next season following Robertson's departure. Roma will now turn to the transfer market to find left-sided players better suited to Gasperini's tactical system.

Wesley has established himself as a key performer for Roma following the club's victory over Fiorentina, demonstrating remarkable adaptation after switching from right wing to left wing. The 22-year-old Brazilian arrived for €25 million amid fan skepticism but has quickly justified the investment. With injuries to Angelino and inconsistency from Tsimikas, Gasperini deployed Wesley on the left, and the winger responded with a dominant display. Despite playing less than a full season in Serie A, Wesley has already scored five goals—surpassing the four goals each recorded by fellow Brazilians Cafu and Maicon during their opening campaigns at Roma. Only Amantino Mancini exceeded this return with eight goals in his first league season. The performance underscores Roma's renewed optimism in their pursuit of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Roma now targets positions currently held by Juventus and AC Milan. Wesley's versatility and goal-scoring ability from the flank represent a significant asset as the club pushes toward the season's climax. The winger's success demonstrates that Roma's recruitment strategy—sourcing talent from Brazil's top domestic league—continues to yield dividends, reversing the mixed record of previous Brazilian signings at the club.

Roma faced Parma at the Stadio Tardini on May 10, 2026, in a match with significant implications for the Serie A title race. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini made a key selection decision by recalling Paulo Dybala to the starting XI after more than 100 days away from the team—his last appearance was on January 25 against Milan. Dybala formed an attacking partnership with fellow Argentine Matías Soulé behind Donyell Malen in Roma's 3-4-2-1 formation. Gasperini fielded a largely unchanged squad, with Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini in defence, and Bryan Cristante in midfield. The match took on added significance as Roma sought to respond to Como and Juventus in the title race while also exerting pressure on Milan, who risked dropping out of the Champions League qualification places. Roma's victory would represent a substantial portion of their season objectives. The timing was notable given the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio looming one week away. Parma lined up in a 3-5-2 formation under head coach Cuesta, with Suzuki in goal and a defensive trio of Troilo, Circati, and Valenti. The match was officiated by Chiffi of Padova.

Roma prepare to face Parma on matchday 36 of Serie A, with head coach Gasperini naming Paulo Dybala in the starting XI after recovering from injury. Gianluca Mancini will also feature in defence alongside Hermoso and Ndicka, despite being on a booking. The midfield pairing of Bryan Cristante and Koné will anchor the team, with Wesley and Celik on the flanks and Donyell Malen leading the attack, supported by Dybala. Niccolò Pisilli provides backup in attack. Roma cannot afford a slip-up in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, currently four points behind Juventus following the Bianconeri's recent victory at Lecce. Even a draw could damage their top-four hopes, making three points essential against a Parma side already mathematically safe. Gasperini will prioritize fielding his strongest available team rather than managing rotation ahead of the upcoming Derby della Capitale. Gasperini has most of his squad available for the first time in weeks, with only Artem Dovbyk sidelined. Koné returned to full fitness following a strong performance against Fiorentina, while El Shaarawy is included in the squad despite minor midweek concerns. Roma's recent record against Parma is strong, with 36 victories in 57 Serie A meetings. The match will be broadcast on DAZN, Sky Sport, and NOW.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field his strongest XI for the upcoming match at Parma, prioritising performance over rotation ahead of the Derby della Capitale against Lazio. Matías Soulé is set to start, while defender Gianluca Mancini will play despite carrying a booking that puts him at risk of suspension for the derby. Gasperini is not making tactical concessions for the upcoming Lazio fixture and has chosen to deploy his best players without rest. The lineup consensus across major Italian newspapers shows a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, and Wesley and Bryan Cristante anchoring midfield alongside Manu Koné. Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli will operate behind lone striker Donyell Malen. Paulo Dybala, who has recently increased his training availability, is expected to feature as an impact substitute rather than start, allowing Gasperini to utilise his quality later in the match. All major Italian publications—Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Tuttosport, Corriere della Sera, and Il Tempo—have predicted an identical formation, suggesting strong consensus on Gasperini's tactical approach for the Parma encounter.